For immediate release
March 13, 2020
Muscogee (Creek) Nation declares COVID-19 state of emergency
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma —Principal Chief David Hill declared a state of emergency for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation effective March 13 to minimize the potential spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease, also known as COVID-19.
“We are treating this as a serious situation,” said Principal Chief David Hill. “For several weeks now the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Department of Health has worked diligently to develop and implement emergency rules and procedures to protect our citizens and our communities,” Hill said. “Because of the public health threat posed by COVID-19, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is issuing a state-of-emergency. Through this declaration, we are taking necessary steps toward protecting our citizens.”
The executive order mandates the following:
- Discontinues chartered community and large group gatherings;
- Suspends Elderly Nutrition communal meals;
- Halts employee work travel indefinitely; and
- Gives authority to departments to make necessary purchases related to cleaning and sanitization.
The executive order does not:
- Require any tribal offices or departments to close. Each department has discretion to cancel hosted public events.
- Discontinue any government services provided directly to citizens.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has advised that if you suspect you may have COVID-19, do not go to the emergency room. If you have symptoms such as: cough, fever, or other respiratory problems to contact your regular doctor first.
MCN Department of Health has set up a COVID-19 hotlines to address questions and concerns. Hotline hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Community: (918) 758-3550.
For questions, after hours the public may call either the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Medical Center Emergency Room or the Okemah Community Hospital Emergency Room. Health professionals can screen and triage patients over the phone.
For updated on COVID-19, please visit:
- www.Creekhealth.org
- Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/
- Oklahoma State Department of Health:https://www.ok.gov/health/Prevention_and_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Service/Disease_Information/Coronavirus_Disease_2019/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I think I may have COVID19?
- Do not go to the emergency room. Please call the MCN COVID Hotline (918) 758-3550 and a nurse practitioner will conduct a screening. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
- How long it take to receive screening results?
- During COVID19 testing, health centers will draw blood to be tested. All tests must be sent to the state for testing. Results are not available for a minimum of 72 hours.
